Philippines Biological Hazard

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday issued a warning against the consumption of shellfish from toxic red tide-infested bays in several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In its Shellfish Bulletin, BFAR said the Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; and the coastal waters in Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol as well as Milagros in Masbate, are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

Its advisory said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or "alamang" gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption, but several species - including fish, shrimps, and crabs - are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before these are cooked.

The bureau said it is continuously monitoring other areas as part of its proactive approach in safeguarding public health.

Red tide is a phenomenon caused by an explosive growth and accumulation of certain microscopic algae, predominantly dinoflagellates, in coastal waters.

The toxin, which can kill fish, birds and marine mammals, and can cause illness in humans, can last days, weeks or months and also change daily depending on wind conditions.

Eating shellfish from areas with red tide may lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).

According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PSP could lead to "muscle paralysis and respiratory failure, and in these cases, death may occur within two to 25 hours."
Source: DORRIS